Definition of monocoque
1 : a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses
2 : a type of vehicle construction (as of an automobile) in which the body is integral with the chassis
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of monocoque from the Web
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The wheels are kept on the ground by a very stiff carbon fiber monocoque body and an advanced suspension system.
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The car’s 3,000-pound curb weight — due in large part to the carbotanium monocoque — contributes to that utterly bonkers straight-line performance.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monocoque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of monocoque
French, from mon- + coque shell, probably from Latin coccum kermes — more at cocoon
Learn More about monocoque
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See words that rhyme with monocoque Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monocoque
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